Ditmas Park Has its National Night Out Against Crime

Members of the community gathered at the Parade Grounds Tuesday evening for the 29th annual . 

From 6:30-9 p.m., officers from the 70th Precinct, politicians, business leaders and residents came together to discuss crime and drug prevention methods, generate support for and participate in local anti-crime programs, as well as strengthen neighborhood spirit.

"Events like this should be put on every day," said Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez, who added that the 70th Precinct is down over 60 percent in shootings for the year. 

Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes dropped by the Parade Grounds and said a few words, noting taht National Night Out began in 1983 "with an understand that we can't do anything about crime without the community."

"This is happening all over the country," said Edward Powell, chairman of Brooklyn Community Board 14. "People are coming out to make a statement to say our [neighborhood] does not belong to the criminals, [it] belongs to the good guys."

, D-Ditmas Park, also spoke, saying that everyone must come together and understand that the police are here to serve the community. She noted that mutual respect is a key to community unity and thanked the 70th precinct for their hard work.